Dr. Ray Troop Retires from Ben Lomand Connect Board of Directors

Chad Graves Appointed to Fill Remaining Term

McMinnville, TN., December 22, 2025 –  Ben Lomand Connect announces the retirement of Dr. Ray Troop from its Board of Directors, effective December 31, 2025. Following his retirement, the board has selected Warren County businessman Chad Graves to fill the remainder of Dr. Troop’s term, which runs through March 2027.

Dr. Troop began his service on the board of the then-named Ben Lomand Telephone on April 17, 1987. Over his remarkable 38-year tenure, he served alongside all but one general manager/CEO—William “Bill” Slusher—in the cooperative’s history. His length of service ranks among the longest in the history of the Ben Lomand Telephone/Ben Lomand Connect Board of Directors.

“To have had his knowledge and viewpoint over the decades has been such a valuable asset to this company,” says Ben Lomand Connect GM/CEO Greg Smartt. “From dial-up internet to multi-gig fiber, ‘Doc’ has been a part of helping guide significant growth here at BLC. Warren County should take great pride in his service to our customers and members. God only made one Dr. Ray Troop, and we were extremely blessed to have him as a part of our team for close to 40 years.”

Outside of his service to Ben Lomand Connect, Dr. Troop built a distinguished medical career in Warren County, where he practiced medicine for nearly 50 years. Before establishing his medical career locally, he served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1970, including a tour in Vietnam where he served as a Company Commander (E-9). Dr. Troop is married to his wife, Betty, and they have one child, Shannon, who resides in Oregon.

“Dr. Troop has been a tremendous asset to his country, community, and BLC,” says BLC Board President Jeff Flatt. “His reputation is immense at all levels. On a personal note, he has been a mentor of mine since I joined the board over a decade ago.  All of us on the board will miss not only his mind, but his heart for the cooperative. We wish Dr. Troop nothing but life’s best in this next chapter of his life.”

“Serving on the BLC board has been one of the finest opportunities I’ve ever had in my life,” says Troop. “I reflect on those people who helped get me started on the board, like former GM Ozle Allen and those original board members I served with back in 1987. The BLC board has been such a great educational experience and has allowed me a way to serve our community. While I may be stepping away from the board, my love for Ben Lomand Connect, its employees, its members, and customers will always remain.”

Filling the rest of Dr. Troop’s term, which runs through March of 2027, will be Chad Graves.

“Following company bylaws, we considered many quality candidates to move forward with Dr. Troop’s seat,” says Flatt. “Out of those names being considered, Chad Graves’ name rose to the top. Chad is a community leader with extensive knowledge of the ever-changing world of technology, bringing a unique life perspective to our board. We wholeheartedly welcome Chad to our board.”

Graves is co-owner and CEO of Main Street Media, which operates 10 radio stations across the Upper Cumberland, including four in McMinnville, two in Sparta, and four in Crossville. He is also co-owner, along with his wife Emily, of Graves Family Pharmacy in McMinnville.

“I am honored to serve on the Ben Lomand Connect Board of Directors and to follow Dr. Ray Troop,” says Graves. “His many years of service leave big shoes to fill. I am thankful for his leadership and the example he set. I look forward to contributing my experience in information technology and communications to the communities served by Ben Lomand Connect.”

A graduate of Warren County High School, Graves holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Management Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Tech University. Chad and Emily have three daughters: Abby, Anna, and Lily.